Right-back Sindrim Kameraj, once one of Switzerland’s most promising football talents, was forced to retire in the summer of 2024 at just 25 years old following a series of serious injuries that disrupted his career.
In just seven years, Kameraj’s trajectory took a dramatic turn, as three severe knee ligament tears cut short his early professional dream. Today, he finds himself away from the pitch, working in a construction company.
In an interview with Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Kameraj reflected: “Perhaps I could have been more patient or listened to my body better. But I don’t blame myself; I did what I thought was right at the time. Regret doesn’t change the past.”
Back in 2018, at only 19, Kameraj made a leap from Swiss club Luzern to Juventus’ youth squad, where he had the opportunity to train alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
Speaking about that moment, he said: “When I received the Juventus offer, it felt like a dream. I couldn’t believe it at first. I felt proud, excited, and a bit nervous, because I knew it was a huge step in my career.”
He described his experience training with Ronaldo as “fantastic and unique. His energy pushed you to give more. What impressed me most was his mindset: he never stopped and always demanded more from himself. He once told me, ‘Talent means nothing without perseverance and hard work.’”
Kameraj added: “That phrase stayed with me. Ronaldo taught me the true meaning of professionalism.”
After his stint in Italy, Kameraj returned to Switzerland and also played in Kosovo, the country of his family heritage, representing both nations at youth international levels.
Today, far from the football field, Sindrim Kameraj lives a different life, dedicating his time to work outside football, while reflecting on a journey that, though short, was full of challenges and achievements.
